Understanding Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use
By Marura Shaki
August is the National Breastfeeding Month. Marked with weekly observances and themes, this year's theme is "nourish, sustain, thrive" which underscores the importance of protecting, promoting, and supporting lactation.
Celebrated by both expectant and new mothers, a breastfeeding journey is not a walk in the park. During pregnancy and up to two years after giving birth most mothers are exposed to maternal mental health. The overall emotional, social, and mental well-being of a mother both during and after pregnancy is what is referred to as maternal mental health, and one of its common disorders is postpartum depression.
Contrary to the normal expectations of excitement and joy moments after delivery, a dark phase yet unfolds, postpartum depression, which is manifested by strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, and tiredness. Commonly mistaken as "baby blues", postpartum depression is more severe and long-lasting. According to the World Health Organization, about 10% of pregnant women and 13% of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, primarily depression. This depression might be too severe leading them to commit suicide. Statistics all show that affected mothers cannot function properly as a result, the child's growth and development may be negatively affected. March of Dimes also backs up the facts by illustrating that up to 1 in 7 women encounter postpartum complications just after delivery.
Normally, postpartum depression may begin earlier, during pregnancy or even later to a year after birth, showcasing symptoms such as severe mood swings, crying too much, difficulty bonding with your baby, feelings of shame and guilt, thoughts of harming the baby, suicidal thoughts and feelings that you're not a good mother. Some of its triggers include genes, changing hormone levels, and low levels of thyroid. Depression is a common mental disorder; most mothers are likely to end up resorting to drugs and substance use as a coping mechanism.
Antidepressants such as serotonin are on the verge of abuse when used for long past prescription time leading to dependence and addiction. Likewise, mothers may be compelled to use hard drugs such as bhang for its calm effect if they feel nervous or rather to reduce feelings of sadness, posing a greater danger to the young baby and the mother.
The possibility of developing a substance use disorder is very high when mothers use different substances to cope. Fear of being reported for child endangerment is a typical hurdle to seeking help, this fear drives them to more substance use. As we paint the town red during this special month, it's crucial to seek help when you experience depression syndrome.
If you're thinking of hurting yourself or the baby, make a call to your healthcare provider or an emergency call to the NACADA Helpline toll-free 24-hour number.